This week I was reminded of a story I’ve heard in church several times.

One day a little girl went out onto the beach only to discover that thousands of starfish had been washed up onto the shore and were unable to return to the ocean. She immediately began to throw them back into the ocean one at a time. A little while later, a man came walking down the beach and stopped when he saw her. He asked what she was doing, as she couldn’t possibly help them all. She replied, maybe not, but it matters to this one.

Sometimes I feel just like that little girl! Every day I hear of kids who are hungry, people who are sick and dying, abuse and neglect, people who just need a little help, and I am trying to throw them back into the water with God’s help. I continue to try and seek the Lord’s heart in this, and am learning to trust all of these things to him. I may not be able to help all of them; indeed, the Lord is not calling me to help all of these situations, but when He calls me to throw one back in the ocean, I know that it will matter to that one!

So this week, the Lord placed on my heart a God sized vision. On Wednesday, I was testing my children’s vision when the headmaster came in asking for certain kids to come to his office. After a few minutes they returned to class only to get their backpacks and leave. I asked another student what was happening and they told me the students had been sent home because they had not paid their school fees. You see, there is no free education in Swaziland, and many children cannot afford the costs. Often the school lets them come for a while but then they are sent home before examinations, meaning that even if they have mastered the material, they will have to start over next year. Exams start today. My heart broke when I saw many of my students go home, and thought about what that meant for them. What would they do if they are sitting at home all day everyday? Would they be safe? What will their future look like? What would the Lord have me do? So I asked to see a list of all of the students who were unable to pay, and also asked to see how much they owed. The next morning I was given a list of 127 students, and I didn’t know what to do! I had no idea that this many had been sent home. As I copied the list I became overwhelmed once again by Swaziland. The school fees that they owe now totaled over 4,000 American dollars, and what was the Lord asking me to do. I went back in to talk with the headmaster and just felt like I was supposed to stand in the gap for these little children. I hate being seen as the white American with money when I come as an ambassador of Christ, but I also remember that Jesus said to help those who are less fortunate. All of a sudden I found myself saying that I would try and find sponsors for all of the children, and by the end of the day the headmaster had agreed to allow the children to come back to write their exams and I would pay the school as soon as I got the money.

Friday a beautiful student in my fourth grade class, Nondumiso, had returned to school with a huge smile on her face! She has captured my heart and I continually pray that the Lord would have his hand on her life and bring her up as a mighty woman of God. She is smart and is such an amazing girl! And it matters to this one!

My teacher, Nana, and I have been able to have many conversations as we teach together. When I began to talk to her about school fees she was so grateful that I was looking into helping these students. When she asked me if I was going to pay for them all, I reminded her that I did not have the money. She looked puzzled, and I replied that I serve a mighty God and he was leading me into this decision and so I was taking a step of faith trusting that He will provide. So that is what I am doing! I am trusting the Lord in the midst of feeling crazy, and know that nothing is impossible for Him!

So I ask you to pray over this situation. I am looking for sponsors for many children at Ezulwini Catholic Primary School. These students are from grade 1 to grade 7. Most of these children have some kind of parents, but their families just cannot afford school fees. What the children owe right now averages to $35 per student. If you are interested in helping us out, or would like to know more, please contact me or my mom, Kathleen Ingram. My e-mail is ingraca@auburn.edu, my mother’s e-mail is atiad81@earthlink.net. The Lord is already providing some money, and I am excited to see the Lord bring the rest of the money in! All of the money will go directly to the school, and I am able to obtain receipts, and can even send you a picture of a child and a thank you letter, as this will be a great blessing to these children! Isn’t it great that we serve a big God who cares for each of us. I know that this is impossible for me, but I rejoice in the fact that nothing is impossible for Him!

Thank you for your prayers! They keep me going in this hard place!
by His grace,
Carrie